Having been on the end of a 5-2 hammering from Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, with the second leg still to come, it would appear that the West Londoners' hopes of going deeper into the premier European competition are all but over for another season.
Chelsea looking to replace Rosenior already?
Were they to end the campaign out of contention for the major European competitions, too, it might well spell the end of Liam Rosenior's short tenure in the Stamford Bridge hot-seat.
Indeed, strong rumours now appear to be circulating regarding just that eventuality.
It's fair to suggest that when the 41-year-old was appointed, eyebrows would have been raised.
Though the Englishman had done well at Chelsea's sister club, Strasbourg, in Ligue 1, being interim manager at Derby County before a stint at Hull City hardly qualified him to take the reins at the Club World Cup winners, with respect.
Despite him rather than because of him, the Blues' squad have responded to the change in the dugout by winning 10 of the 17 matches that Rosenior has overseen since taking over from Enzo Maresca in January.
Six permanent managers in four years under BlueCo
However, Chelsea's owners have shown many times before now that if consistent success isn't forthcoming, they won't think twice about replacing their first-team manager.
A manager in Rosenior who said, upon his appointment, that “I hope in time they’ll (the board) say it’s the best decision this club’s ever made.”
Since BlueCo took over the club in May 2022, all of Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard, Mauricio Pochettino and Maresca have come and gone, with Bruno Saltor and Calum McFarlane providing the briefest of caretaker roles during the same period.
So, why would the powers that be at the Bridge already be considering a change in the dugout once more, when Rosenior has barely been given a chance to get his ideas across?
Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer are flourishing
It's self-evident, for example, that Joao Pedro is flourishing under him. 11 goals scored as well as two assists provided in all competitions compare favourably with his output of seven goals and three assists (not including the Club World Cup) before Rosenior's arrival.
Cole Palmer, too, appears to be approaching somewhere near his best form again, after a period where he looked distinctly average under Maresca.
With the shackles off and less rigidity to his role, in a nod to Rosenior's ability to understand what makes his senior players tick, the England international has responded in kind.
The more natural elements to his game have returned, and the way that he's dovetailed brilliantly with the Brazilian is just one of a few positive aspects.
Brilliant win percentage
Rosenior's win percentage of 58.8% is actually the second-best behind Maresca (60%) in the BlueCo era, though it's acknowledged that only Lampard (11 matches), McFarlane (two) and Saltor (one) have taken charge of fewer matches.
Given the time it takes managers to really bed down and have the squad exactly as they'd like, Chelsea's board are surely shooting themselves in the foot again if they're looking for yet another change at season's end.
The continuity they desire will only ever be achieved if they stop meddling in first-team matters and leave that to the likes of Rosenior.
It does appear that not being a big enough name could be the one thing to decide his fate, as it's understood that BlueCo want to at least attempt to bring Luis Enrique to the Premier League, after the Spaniard proved his mettle by winning last season's Champions League with PSG.
Luis Enrique targeted
The difference between Luis Enrique and Liam Rosenior is a stark one, though one can't help but think it wouldn't necessarily be the wisest course of action.
In a relatively short space of time, the latter has won over the fan base, earned the respect of his players and, one or two performances aside, brought some stability to the first-team squad.
Improving their disciplinary record has undoubtedly gone under the radar, though that too is in Rosenior's favour.
With Premier League games against Man City, Man Utd and Liverpool to come in the run-in, Chelsea's final league placing is very much in their own hands.
If they're able to make a late push for a finish in the top four, it's arguable that Rosenior could've done little more in the few months he's had available to turn things around.
Were Chelsea's owners still unhappy with what they're seeing, then they seemingly haven't already learned that the grass isn't always greener on the other side...
